TARGET: Benatia is now Bayern Munich's priority after City turn the attention elsewhere [GETTY]

City have stalled with their approach for the Moroccan centre-back and, having been set a deadline of July 21 to conclude the transfer by Roma, are looking elsewhere to improve their defence.

Munich, who's first-choice defensive pair last season comprised of Dante and Jerome Boateng last term, have been on the look-out for a new centre-back and were linked with a move for David Luiz before the Brazilian agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for £50m before the World Cup.

And according to reports in Italy Pep Guardiola has made Benatia his priority and would be willing to meet the club's £30m valuation.

Benatia has previously been courted by Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

The 27-year-old was believed to be open to a move to the Etihad - and the pay rise that comes with it - but City are only able to buy one defender this summer due to the spending cap imposed by UEFA for breaching the Financial Fair Play rules last season, and Mangala is thought to be the one they will pursue.

City have already signed Fernando from Porto and goal keeper Willy Caballero from Malaga, spending a total of £18m.

Benatia's current club Roma tied up a deal for former England full-back Ashley Cole last week and are keen to have their squad for next season settled before their pre-season tour begins on July 21.